Archive for the ‘Frugality’ Category

Rare Victorinox SwissChamp Swiss Army Knife Traveler’s Set

Posted: December 22, 2012 in Adventures, Frugality, Product Reviews, SB Tips
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Hey friends.  I had to show you my Swiss Army multitool.  This is a super rare traveler’s set.  I couldn’t even find a picture of it on the internet.  I bought this 10 years ago while traveling through Europe.  I saved around 50% by purchasing it in Switzerland, compared to the states.  The set cost me 127 Francs.  Which today converts to $138.99 US.  It’s one of the nicest knives Victorinox makes, and came with a compass, Maglite Solitare keychain flashlight, and leather carrying case.  The best part is, I got the side of the knife engraved with my name for free.  It’s mint, but I’m going to start using it as part of my EDC, or every day carry. 

Unfortunately, I left the batteries in the flashlight, and now I can’t get the end cap off to fix it.  So I’m sending it to Maglite for a free repair or replacement.  I just have to pay for shipping.  That’s the second flashlight I’ve found this week that had the batteries leak.  Not cool.  Lesson learned.  Take the batteries out, or keep them fresh.  You can find just the knife for sale online for about $75.  It got a 5 star rating on Amazon.  It’s no wonder, because they’ve been in business since 1884.

swiss army victorinox champ traveler's set
Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Getting Free Product Coupons For Commenting And Complaining

Posted: December 17, 2012 in Frugality, Health & Nutrition, Product Reviews, SB Tips
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Sometimes products suck. When things aren’t as good as I expect, or fail, I call the company up, and hold them accountable. When I comment and complain, I get free product coupons to replace the goods with another version. Today I called three businesses, and spoke up.

First I dialed a canned fruit company. They misrepresented their product. On the label there’s tons of cherries. However, when we pulled the lid and scarfed, we uncovered just half of one cherry. Ripoff. I was told they try to squeeze 9 cherries into each can. I gave them my shipping address, and I’m expecting a voucher for a free can of mixed fruit, in light syrup.

I was also disappointed with a Tom’s of Maine deodorant. It was a stick scented like Maine Woodspice. I told customer service I love their stuff, but this batch felt slimy, and didn’t seem to offer any odor protection. The unscented type worked better. Not that it works for the 24 hours it claims. Tom’s actually told me I was spot on, because they have one less ingredient in that type compaired to their other scents. Strange. I’m getting a stick of Lemon Grass sent to my house this week. It’s a great product.

Lastly, I dialed Nature’s Gate. They make a fluoride free toothpaste. I don’t use paste with fluoride. Look into fluoride exposure. I will not be forcibly medicated. Anyways, I recently purchased a tube of anise flavored natural toothpaste. Little did I know anise, (pronounced anus?), tastes like it sounds to me. It’s the worst flavor ever. Anise tastes like licorice, fennel, or dirty boots. I can’t stand it. I guess I should have known what anise tastes like, but if I knew it was like black licorice I wouldn’t have bought it, I would have burned it. At the end if the day, I still look forward to trying another variety of Nature’s Gate toothpaste.

The moral of the story is comment and complain about products you don’t like. You’ll get a replacement for free. Also, educate yourself before buying. I’m not trying to be negative about these quality products, but I wasn’t satisfied. My feedback makes their product and practices better, so why not share? It’s a win win.

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Produced by Cameron McKirdy

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